[thedebuglife]

> Is it really a better alternative to putting some bomb bay doors on a modern Boeing?

From what I've been told, the B52 has relatively low operating cost and can stay up in the air pretty much indefinitely by being refueled in air by KC-135s.

source: I was an air traffic controller in the US Air Force

[urthor]

I think the most insightful points were from those who actually mentioned that the capabilities the B52 requires are extremely different.

Mid air refueling, electronic warfare & military technology integration, speed in combat zone, integrity while under enemy fire.

They are are very different points than I ever imagined you would have to consider for a bomber.

The B52s gigantic wings make a ton more sense now. They're incredibly large so they produce vastly more lift/other specifications than required in case holes are shot in the bomber.

Lesson I've learnt today is listen more to the experts.